In 3 weeks and 5 days I will be running my first ever marathon. Yes, a marathon....26.2 miles! Since my last post (almost a month ago...yes, I'm slacking), I've had some really long runs and some really painful post-run days. My longest run so far is just over 17 miles so I’m a little scared about the last 9.2 miles!
During the long runs and the even longer post-run days, I've asked myself why am I doing this to myself? Why am I banging up my body and putting it through so much pain? I've had a lot of time to think about this and to think about what motivates me to get up earlier on Saturday mornings than I do the rest of the week. Why am I busting my tail to raise money for the LLS? Am I crazy for thinking I can actually run 26.2 miles?
I don't know that I have a good answer for any of these questions other than I want to make a difference in someone's life....maybe my own. I want to know that all the beating my body has endured will make a difference...to someone.
I started out doing this because I wanted to make a difference in my life....I wanted to lose weight. What a superficial reason to get me started, right? I didn’t lose the weight, but I gained a new appreciation for setting a goal and working hard to reach it, realizing what really is important in life, and finding my self confidence. I guess you could say the biggest difference was one that could not be seen. It was an internal transformation. It was a change in my heart...and a change in the belief in me.
After 20+ weeks training with my new Team In Training friends, I have a new appreciation for the blessings in my life and a new perspective on what really is important. I’ve seen strength in this group of people that I’ve never seen before. It’s the type of strength you acquire after long nights in the emergency room, after hours upon hours of chemotherapy, or after seeing your loved one breathe their last breath. It’s the strength to keep on going…to keep on fighting. It’s this strength that keeps everyone going during the long grueling runs.
I’m fortunate enough to run with a remarkably strong man who motivates me to be stronger and keep running. When I think I can’t do it anymore and want to quit, Blake encourages me to keep running…to keep fighting. I’m grateful to have found such great friends and an awesome running partner. Without my TNT friends, I never would have made it this far. I’m not saying I’ve made it yet because there’s still 3 weeks and 5 days ahead of us and 26.2 miles to complete, but I’ve gone further than I could have imagined. I’ve done what my mind has told me (and continues to tell me) is impossible. I may not be the fastest, thinnest, or most graceful runner on the morning of October 18th in San Francisco, but I will finish the race and I will overcome my mind’s doubts. I will do what my mind says I cannot do. I will prove to myself that I am stronger than I once believed…and that my physical appearance is not as important as the appearance of my heart, thoughts or beliefs. I will because I can and I believe. I believe in me.
I believe in a cure. I am still fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and now, more than ever, I need your help to find a cure. I'm getting closer to my fundraising goal, but I'm still not there. If you would like to make a donation but haven't done so yet, you can still get your money sent in until mid-November. You can make a donation on-line by visiting my website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/nikesf09/etafoya.
Thank you to everyone who has donated and for your words of encouragement. Your support is priceless and greatly appreciated!
Don't stop believing!
-E
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Rockies Fundraiser Game - Sept. 26th!
Hi, everyone! It's me, again. I'm still running and still fundraising!
Do you have ROCKIES FEVER?! If you do, then I have a great fundraising event you and your family or friends can enjoy together!
The COLORADO ROCKIES are playing phenomenal baseball right now and are in the hunt to make the playoffs! If you're interested in cheering them on at the last Saturday night game of the regular season when they take on Matt Holliday, then I've got a great deal for you on tickets!
Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Saturday, September 26th
6:10 PM Game Time
Section 115, Lower Level – 1st Base Line
Ticket Price: $38 – face value
(Same price if purchased through Rockies ticket counter, but for each ticket purchased $16 will be credited to my fundraising account!)
Contact me if you're interested in buying tickets!!
esperanza.tafoya@rscrental.com, the_esperanza@yahoo.com or 303-921-2541
I have a limited number of tickets and have had numerous requests so far. Make sure you get yours and BUY TODAY!!
Thanks for your support!
- E
Do you have ROCKIES FEVER?! If you do, then I have a great fundraising event you and your family or friends can enjoy together!
The COLORADO ROCKIES are playing phenomenal baseball right now and are in the hunt to make the playoffs! If you're interested in cheering them on at the last Saturday night game of the regular season when they take on Matt Holliday, then I've got a great deal for you on tickets!
Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Saturday, September 26th
6:10 PM Game Time
Section 115, Lower Level – 1st Base Line
Ticket Price: $38 – face value
(Same price if purchased through Rockies ticket counter, but for each ticket purchased $16 will be credited to my fundraising account!)
Contact me if you're interested in buying tickets!!
esperanza.tafoya@rscrental.com, the_esperanza@yahoo.com or 303-921-2541
I have a limited number of tickets and have had numerous requests so far. Make sure you get yours and BUY TODAY!!
Thanks for your support!
- E
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I heart ICE!!
Well, I guess it's been a few weeks since my last update. I've been on the road, again, and still recovering from the sinus infection and twisted ankle. Since my last post, I've run on my ankle for my two longest runs so far...11.5 and 13.1 miles! Doing this has re-introduced my body to the wonderful world of ICE, ICE baby! And I'm not talking about Vanilla Ice! :0)
After the first long run (2 hours, I think), my ankle was very swollen so I decided to stick my foot in a bucket of ice. In theory, this was a good idea. In reality, this was FREEZING COLD!! It was so cold I got a brain freeze! The brain freeze was worth it because the swelling went down and my ankle felt better.
The bad part about all this is that I've realized that not only did my swollen ankle need ice, but my whole body was screaming and begging for it! I spent most of that Saturday with my feet elevated and ice on my ankles and knees! I don't think I've ever felt so old and decrepit in my life! I'm sure this would make for a very entertaining picture!
Last Saturday, I ran the Georgetown to Idaho Springs half marathon. I didn't complete it in the time I had hoped, but I had to remember this was my first half marathon and I was in it for the training. Besides, it's not like I was going to win the race! I think the winners were crossing the line when I was at the half way point!
I enjoyed most of the race, but there were parts of the course that I didn't care for....like the dirt road with the large loose rocks, and all the steep downhills. Overall, I was glad I participated because I ran the majority of the race by myself and I was able to work on the mental strengthening part of the race. There were times when my body told me to stop and give up, but my mind wouldn't let me. I did have to walk a few times near the end because my ankle was in pain, but I refused to give up. People with cancer can't just give up and walk away from the cancer. They have to tough it out and keep on battling. This is what motivated me to keep running.
After the race I was very excited to find Michelle, a sorority sister and fellow runner. It was nice to see a comforting, familiar face and share our experiences. She's running the Denver Marathon on October 18th...the same day as the Nike Women's Marathon. I'm bummed we won't be running our first marathons together in the same city. Michelle's speed and dedication to do well has inspired me to not just finish, but finish strong!
After the first long run (2 hours, I think), my ankle was very swollen so I decided to stick my foot in a bucket of ice. In theory, this was a good idea. In reality, this was FREEZING COLD!! It was so cold I got a brain freeze! The brain freeze was worth it because the swelling went down and my ankle felt better.
The bad part about all this is that I've realized that not only did my swollen ankle need ice, but my whole body was screaming and begging for it! I spent most of that Saturday with my feet elevated and ice on my ankles and knees! I don't think I've ever felt so old and decrepit in my life! I'm sure this would make for a very entertaining picture!
Last Saturday, I ran the Georgetown to Idaho Springs half marathon. I didn't complete it in the time I had hoped, but I had to remember this was my first half marathon and I was in it for the training. Besides, it's not like I was going to win the race! I think the winners were crossing the line when I was at the half way point!
I enjoyed most of the race, but there were parts of the course that I didn't care for....like the dirt road with the large loose rocks, and all the steep downhills. Overall, I was glad I participated because I ran the majority of the race by myself and I was able to work on the mental strengthening part of the race. There were times when my body told me to stop and give up, but my mind wouldn't let me. I did have to walk a few times near the end because my ankle was in pain, but I refused to give up. People with cancer can't just give up and walk away from the cancer. They have to tough it out and keep on battling. This is what motivated me to keep running.
After the race I was very excited to find Michelle, a sorority sister and fellow runner. It was nice to see a comforting, familiar face and share our experiences. She's running the Denver Marathon on October 18th...the same day as the Nike Women's Marathon. I'm bummed we won't be running our first marathons together in the same city. Michelle's speed and dedication to do well has inspired me to not just finish, but finish strong!
After the race we met as a team at BeauJo's and enjoyed some great pizza! This is where I was turned on to "ice baths". Jane and Sharon explained to me how great an "ice bath" can be and instructed me on the art of taking an "ice bath". On my way home I picked up an 8lb. bag of ice for my "ice bath" and prepared myself for another brain freeze! As expected, it was freezing cold, but well worth it! I have a sneaking suspicion I will be taking many, many more "ice baths" in my future! Perhaps I should get used to the brain freezes!
This weekend is a busy one. We have our long run (2:15 this week!) on Saturday morning followed by a bake sale, and then the Water 2 Wine - wine tasting and silent auction event in the evening. Details for the wine tasting are included below. Please come out and support our fundraising efforts!
Wishing you a sunshiny weekend....to melt all the ice! :o)
-E
***********************************************************************************
Water 2 Wine - Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Event
Saturday, August 15, 2009
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Water 2 Wine
8130 S. University Blvd
Centennial, CO
Proceeds to benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
$40/couple, $25/person and TNT Alum $15
Wine tasting, appetizers and the opportunity to bid on amazing silent auction items!
Plan a night out for a GREAT cause and do your part to find a cure for Blood Cancers!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Week 11...not so good :0(
Last week didn't start out so bad, but it sure did turn out to be a rough week!
I had a great run on Tuesday morning in Scottsdale despite the lightning storms and 85 degree weather...at 5:30 am! It was so hot and humid I was sweating so much it looked like I had run a full-marathon! But that was just the beginning. The extreme change in temperatures from the hot, humid run to sitting in a freezing cold conference room all day was more than enough to bring on a nasty sinus infection, fever and horrible sore throat.
Needless to say, I didn't get any running done the rest of the week. I was very disappointed to miss the run on Saturday morning and thought I would try to stay somewhat active by going for a short hike with a friend. Well, the hike didn't go as planned. Twenty minutes into it, I twisted my ankle and had to hobble my way back to my car. As I slowly made my way down the hill, I beat myself up for (1) thinking that going on a hike was a good idea, and (2) not listening to my instincts. My instincts had warned me that going for a hike wasn't the best idea considering I couldn't fully breathe out of my nose, but I did it anyway.
I can't change what happened, but I've learned from my two setbacks this week. I've been resting up, and elevating and icing the ankle. I missed running with and seeing my team on Saturday so I'm hoping I'll feel well enough to make it to track practice tomorrow!
On a positive note, the past week was a great week for donations! THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my fundraising goal! Your generous donations have helped me move closer to my goal, and help us win the fight against blood cancers!
Hopefully the cooler weather this week won't be too cool! I'm looking forward to a better week! :0)
-E
I had a great run on Tuesday morning in Scottsdale despite the lightning storms and 85 degree weather...at 5:30 am! It was so hot and humid I was sweating so much it looked like I had run a full-marathon! But that was just the beginning. The extreme change in temperatures from the hot, humid run to sitting in a freezing cold conference room all day was more than enough to bring on a nasty sinus infection, fever and horrible sore throat.
Needless to say, I didn't get any running done the rest of the week. I was very disappointed to miss the run on Saturday morning and thought I would try to stay somewhat active by going for a short hike with a friend. Well, the hike didn't go as planned. Twenty minutes into it, I twisted my ankle and had to hobble my way back to my car. As I slowly made my way down the hill, I beat myself up for (1) thinking that going on a hike was a good idea, and (2) not listening to my instincts. My instincts had warned me that going for a hike wasn't the best idea considering I couldn't fully breathe out of my nose, but I did it anyway.
I can't change what happened, but I've learned from my two setbacks this week. I've been resting up, and elevating and icing the ankle. I missed running with and seeing my team on Saturday so I'm hoping I'll feel well enough to make it to track practice tomorrow!
On a positive note, the past week was a great week for donations! THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my fundraising goal! Your generous donations have helped me move closer to my goal, and help us win the fight against blood cancers!
Hopefully the cooler weather this week won't be too cool! I'm looking forward to a better week! :0)
-E
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Week 10 - Hills anyone?
We just completed week 10 of training and are now in the midst of week 11! I can't believe it's been that long! Our long run this past weekend was 1 1/2 hours....and very tough! We ran off Surrey Ridge just north of Castle Rock in an area that was very hilly!
Oh my goodness, I had no idea when I showed up on Saturday morning what was waiting ahead for me! The loop was about 2 1/2 miles with a steady, inclining hill that was nearly 3/4 of a mile! Man, oh man did my legs and glutes get a workout! I'm glad we occasionally run hills for our long runs, but this one was killer! My running friend, Blake, was the only reason I made it through the loop and "the hill" three times.
Blake motivated me to keep going and when it looked like I might give up, he encouraged me to remember why I'm running. As I was sucking air like a brand new Dyson, going up "the hill" the third and final time, all I could think about was how hard it must be for Mason, one of our Team Heroes, to go through chemo treatments during the summer when I'm sure all he wants is to be outside playing like all the other kids. The pain I felt in my legs and the burning in my lungs disappeared when I thought of all the patients, like Mason, who are enduring much more than me just to survive each day. My pain is temporary and can be soothed with a few Advil and a hot bath, but the pain and discomfort one must feel during chemo or other cancer treatments is unimaginable!
I'm going to do my best during the remaining weeks to be more aware of any complaining I might do and turn it into positive actions: I'm going to give praise for the wonderful life the Lord has blessed me with, pray for others who are suffering, and simply give thanks for the opportunity to live another day! I can't wait for our next long run this Saturday!
Wishing you many sunshiny days! :o)
-E
Oh my goodness, I had no idea when I showed up on Saturday morning what was waiting ahead for me! The loop was about 2 1/2 miles with a steady, inclining hill that was nearly 3/4 of a mile! Man, oh man did my legs and glutes get a workout! I'm glad we occasionally run hills for our long runs, but this one was killer! My running friend, Blake, was the only reason I made it through the loop and "the hill" three times.
Blake motivated me to keep going and when it looked like I might give up, he encouraged me to remember why I'm running. As I was sucking air like a brand new Dyson, going up "the hill" the third and final time, all I could think about was how hard it must be for Mason, one of our Team Heroes, to go through chemo treatments during the summer when I'm sure all he wants is to be outside playing like all the other kids. The pain I felt in my legs and the burning in my lungs disappeared when I thought of all the patients, like Mason, who are enduring much more than me just to survive each day. My pain is temporary and can be soothed with a few Advil and a hot bath, but the pain and discomfort one must feel during chemo or other cancer treatments is unimaginable!
I'm going to do my best during the remaining weeks to be more aware of any complaining I might do and turn it into positive actions: I'm going to give praise for the wonderful life the Lord has blessed me with, pray for others who are suffering, and simply give thanks for the opportunity to live another day! I can't wait for our next long run this Saturday!
Wishing you many sunshiny days! :o)
-E
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Why I Run...
I have met some great people on this team, but I've also had the chance to hear their stories and why they're all doing this. Every Saturday morning before we set out on our run, we have what is called a "Mission Moment". This is when a team member shares their story about their battle against cancer or their loved ones' battles. Almost everyone has a family member or a story about a loved one that drives them to run and raise money for LLS. I'm fortunate to say I don't have a story or experience to share.
During the long run this Saturday I ran with a guy from my team, and as were running he asked me why I'm running and raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He wanted to know if I have a connection to LLS or a survivor of Leukemia or Lymphoma. My family and I have been blessed to not have experienced a life with blood cancer, or any cancer for that matter. As we ran, we talked about his reasons and my own, and I thought more and more about why I run.
I explained to him that when I signed up for TNT, I had no idea what to expect. Initially, I thought joining TNT was a good idea for me to join so I could train for the Nike Women's Marathon, and to occassionally run with other people. However, since joining, my reasons for being a member of TNT have taken on a completely new meaning for me. It's no longer just about the training or having people to run with at the crack of dawn on Saturday mornings. Running this marathon and being part of TNT has become so much bigger and so much more important than I ever could have imagined! It's so much more than running!
It's about the people who are living with Leukemia or Lymphoma and still manage to go on with their daily lives. It's about the mom who runs to find a cure for her 6 year old son so he doesn't have to spend another 4th of July weekend with pneumonia in the hospital, so he can stop the steroid and chemotherapy treatments, and so he can attend school on a regular basis just like the other kids his age.
It's about the incredible strength I see in the woman who has battled breast cancer AND now Lymphoma, but still she runs and raises money for others so they won't have to experience the same struggles.
It's about the man who runs in his mom's memory or the lady who runs in her husband's memory.
Being associated with these people has taught me so much about life and life's struggles, and being strong enough to surpass those struggles. I'm running and raising money because I believe in the cause! I believe in finding a cure for blood cancers!
-E
** The photo above is with Mason, one of our Team Heros! This picture was taken at breakfast after one of our first Saturday runs. **
Welcome!!
Hello, everyone!
Welcome to my blog....finally! I've been saying for the past couple of weeks I would get this up and running, but time flies when you're running! Haha! I'll try my best to update everyone on how my running is going each week. If the next 12+ weeks are anything like the past 9 weeks, I'm sure you'll find my posts to be quite entertaining!
Over the past 9 weeks, I've started the full-marathon training program with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT). It has been an eye opening and wonderful experience so far! Running during the past 9 weeks has been good for me. It's helped me focus on the things that are important in life and get myself back on track with working out and managing my time. I've also had some not-so-fun times with aches and pains, sucking air like a vacuum it seems at times, and remembering that eating Italian food for lunch isn't a good idea when I'm planning to run in the evening! Man was that a stupid mistake!
I've also become accustomed to making Friday nights "early nights" so I can get up for the early morning runs on Saturdays. At first I dreaded waking up on Saturday morning because I felt like that was my only day to sleep in, but I've quickly learned to enjoy Saturday mornings! I might scare you with this statement, but I actually look forward to Saturday mornings now because I get to see all the great people on the TNT team. I love the peace of the morning and knowing I've lived to see another beautiful day!
Sorry I haven't entertained you with all my funny and comical stories yet, but I do promise there will be plenty to share. Please stay tuned for more updates on my running, fundraising, and self-enlightening experiences. I'm sure you'll get a few laughs out of them...I always do!
-E
Welcome to my blog....finally! I've been saying for the past couple of weeks I would get this up and running, but time flies when you're running! Haha! I'll try my best to update everyone on how my running is going each week. If the next 12+ weeks are anything like the past 9 weeks, I'm sure you'll find my posts to be quite entertaining!
Over the past 9 weeks, I've started the full-marathon training program with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT). It has been an eye opening and wonderful experience so far! Running during the past 9 weeks has been good for me. It's helped me focus on the things that are important in life and get myself back on track with working out and managing my time. I've also had some not-so-fun times with aches and pains, sucking air like a vacuum it seems at times, and remembering that eating Italian food for lunch isn't a good idea when I'm planning to run in the evening! Man was that a stupid mistake!
I've also become accustomed to making Friday nights "early nights" so I can get up for the early morning runs on Saturdays. At first I dreaded waking up on Saturday morning because I felt like that was my only day to sleep in, but I've quickly learned to enjoy Saturday mornings! I might scare you with this statement, but I actually look forward to Saturday mornings now because I get to see all the great people on the TNT team. I love the peace of the morning and knowing I've lived to see another beautiful day!
Sorry I haven't entertained you with all my funny and comical stories yet, but I do promise there will be plenty to share. Please stay tuned for more updates on my running, fundraising, and self-enlightening experiences. I'm sure you'll get a few laughs out of them...I always do!
-E
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